Cancer?! I Don’t Have Time For This

Cancer in adolescents and young adults is the theme of a CIHR (Canadian Institutes for Health Research) sponsored Café Scientifique that will take place on Monday, March 22nd, from 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at McGill’s New Residence Hall, 3625 Avenue du Parc (between Pine Avenue and Prince Arthur). This free interactive information session is being presented by the McGill Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Oncology Program, Hope & Cope (Jewish General Hospital), Cedars CanSupport (McGill University Health Centre) and VOBOC (Venturing out beyond our Cancer).

Cancer strikes close to 10,000 young adults (18-39) across Canada every year. A cancer diagnosis at this stage of life presents unique physical and psychosocial challenges as young adults struggle to achieve independence while coping with the physical, social, financial and psychological ramifications of a life-threatening illness. Cancer treatments often have a major impact on fertility, sexuality, physical function and appearance. Unfortunately, lack of awareness by health care professionals about cancer in this age group can lead to delayed diagnosis.

Panellists at the Café Scientifique will include medical oncologist Dr. Gerald Batist, psychologist Dr. Zeev Rosberger, Deborah Bridgman, who was a mother of two young children when she was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 30, and her mother, Patricia Bridgman, who will speak from the perspective of the caregiver. Presentations will be in English, but questions may be asked in English or French. Members of the AYA team (medical director, nutritionist, psychologist, physiotherapist etc.) also will be on hand to meet with the audience and answer questions.

Admission to this Café Scientifique is free and open to anyone interested in learning more about how cancer affects the adolescent and young adult population. A light supper will be served. Reservations are essential: please call 514 340-8255 or register on-line at mcgillaya@gmail.com